90min
·22 August 2024
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·22 August 2024
Arsenal have rejoined the race to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, according to a report in Italy.
Osimhen is keen to leave Naples this summer and was linked with Arsenal earlier this summer, but the recent speculation surrounding the Nigeria international has revolved around Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Arsenal had turned away from Osimhen in favour of pursuing Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres but, with Napoli now showing some flexibility on their asking price of €130m (£110.4m), have decided to return to the table for the striker.
Napoli are now believed to be looking for around €100m (£84.9m) to sell Osimhen and that is a figure which has piqued Arsenal's interest once again.
Talks are expected to be held with Napoli director Giovanni Manna, who has returned to London for further talks over signing Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku and Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Billy Gilmour.
Osimhen faces an uncertain future / Francesco Pecoraro/GettyImages
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta recently moved to play down speculation they could sign a new striker this summer, insisting he retains faith in Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard to lead the line this season.
Whether the Gunners will make a formal offer for Osimhen remains to be seen, but Napoli will undoubtedly be keen to hear significant proposals as they seek to part ways with the 25-year-old before the end of the month.
Napoli are inching closer to a deal to sign Lukaku from Chelsea but the Blues' interest in Osimhen is being kept separate. Having already spent big this summer, it is believed Chelsea are hoping to convince Osimhen to sign on an initial loan deal later this window.
Osimhen, for his part, is not currently interested in a loan move unless it includes an obligation to make the switch permanent next summer.
PSG have already agreed personal terms with Osimhen, something Chelsea are yet to do, but baulked at Napoli's asking price.
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